By Audrey Tabor
Private Interview: Facing the Reality of Muscular Dystrophy
The private interview within pageantry is that of vulnerability and authenticity, where contestants share their stories and personal journeys. Living with muscular dystrophy has been like a life-long private interview with myself and the world. Confronting realness about the condition means answering those hard internal questions about identity, limitations, and purpose. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle loss that affects every aspect of life, from mobility to independence. Through this private interview, I learned that strength does not come from my muscles but from the way I face life's various difficulties. It all started with accepting the diagnosis, which was followed by day-to-day challenges. The secret to achieving this category is not about knowing all the answers, it's all about being honest with myself and to the people around me as I acknowledge the effect of muscular dystrophy without letting it be the sole defining element of my life.
Talent: The Art of Adaptation
Talent is all about showcasing a skill that makes you different, and in the case of living life with muscular dystrophy, it's all about adaptation: the ultimate talent. Every day presents different challenges, from managing physical limitations to creatively solving problems around tasks that others may consider mundane. In my life, talent is the art of maneuvering my way through the world not built for a person with muscular dystrophy. It's learning to know how to conserve energy and finding a way to turn obstacles into opportunities. This develops new ways to continue my passion for art and music or advocate for accessible spaces and policies. Adaptation and inclusivity become, where the beauty of small victories is treasured, and where capability is not strictly linked with body strength.
Evening Gown/Red Carpet: Confidence and Presentation
In the evening gown portion of a pageant, poise, elegance, and the way one presents themselves to the world are what contestants are generally judged on. This category reflects the importance of self-presentation and confidence in my physical capabilities. It's about holding your head high even as your body doesn't move the way you want it to, finding a way to express beauty and grace through personal style and attitude. It takes no less poise to live with muscular dystrophy than pageant contestants have walking the red carpet.
Fitness: Physical and Mental Resilience
In pageantry, fitness usually brings up imagery of physical strength, health, and stamina. But the term takes on new meaning if one lives with muscular dystrophy, it's more about developing the strength one needs both physically and mentally to cope with a progressive condition. Equally important is mental fitness: remaining positive, coping with stress, and getting through bad days. Whereas physical fitness may decrease over time, mental resilience becomes stronger; it's a fight, as the mind learns to cope with what muscular dystrophy throws at it. It's all about finding that delicate balance between pushing your body to be active and knowing when to instill the mindset of perseverance.
A life of resilience, adaptation, and grace living with muscular dystrophy is like a pageant; the categories are a reflection of those diverse aspects of life that require resilience, adaptation, and grace. Muscular dystrophy may shape the journey, but it doesn't define the outcome, for each step, each stage, testifies to the power of resilience and to the beauty of living life on my terms.
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